chapter 20

After the feast...Damon descended to his personal chamber leaving Elianna in the speechless and vulnerable

The maid showed her the way to her own chamber and she settled down for the night and also thought about the fact that her and Damon's marriage are yet to be consummate

Sigh,I probably irritate him and moreover he has somebody he loves ...she said, " with sadness plastered on her face"

She then slept off

The next day....

As they were having breakfast...Damon's cold gaze swept over her, his expression unreadable. "See to the preparations for our guests, Eliana," he said curtly, his voice devoid of warmth. "I have business to attend to."

Eliana felt a sting from his dismissive tone, her eyes pricking with tears. She knew she was a disappointment to him, a constant reminder of a loveless marriage. With a heavy heart, she nodded and retreated to her chambers, watching Damon's retreating figure.

The evening of the ball.

As Eliana changed into a suitable gown for the evening's festivities, her mind wandered to the events that had led her to this loveless marriage. She had hoped for a union built on love and trust, but instead found herself trapped in a web of duty and obligation.

Just then, a soft knock at the door broke the silence. "Enter," Eliana called out, her voice barely above a whisper.

The door creaked open, and Mia , her loyal lady-in-waiting, slipped inside. "Your Grace, the guests are arriving. The Duke requests your presence in the great hall."

Eliana's heart sank, her stomach twisting with anxiety. She knew Damon's displeasure with her would only grow more evident in front of their guests. With a deep breath, she steeled herself and followed Mia to the great hall, where the evening's festivities awaited.

As Eliana descended into the great hall, the murmur of conversation and the clinking of glasses filled the air. Damon stood by the fireplace, his eyes narrowed as he surveyed the room. Eliana's heart skipped a beat as she approached him, her senses heightened to his disdain.

"Ah, Eliana, welcome," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Our guests are eager to meet the Duchess."

Eliana curtsied, her face a mask of composure. "It's my pleasure, my lord."

As the evening wore on, Eliana played the role of the gracious hostess, her smile and laughter hiding the pain and sadness within. But amidst the sea of faces, one pair of eyes caught her attention - piercing blue eyes that seemed to see beyond her facade.

As Eliana's gaze met George's, she felt a spark of connection, a sense of understanding. It was as if he saw beyond her mask, beyond the duties and obligations that suffocated her. Damon's cousin, George, was a man of few words, but his eyes spoke volumes.

As the night wore on, Eliana found herself drawn to George's quiet strength, his gentle smile. They exchanged few words, but the connection between them grew stronger, a bond formed in the shadows of Damon's disdain.

But alas, their budding connection was not destined to remain a secret. Damon's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on Eliana and George with a calculating intensity. The Duke's displeasure was palpable, his anger simmering just below the surface.

Damon was boiling with anger!